Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? He also acted in the 1976 TV miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man and made guest appearances on the TV series Love, American Style and The Streets of San Francisco. His last role was in a 2000 episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for "Good Times," one of the first TV comedy series that featured a primarily black cast. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. 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Lionel is generally amused, rather than angered or irritated, by Archie's frequent displays of ignorance and bigotry, often seeing Archie's comments as well-meaning, albeit ignorant, rather than outright malicious. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. Evans also stated that he never had a chance to meet the first Lionel, played by Mike Evans, who was also the co-creator of the Good Times sitcom: Damon Evans: I was the second Lionel and I never met Mike, although I did meet his mother one Sunday in church during the first year I was doing the show. target_type: 'mix' It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. When Lionel Jefferson actor Mike Evans left The Jeffersons shortly after the All in the Family spin-off debuted on CBS in 1975, it was . Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. [2], Evans continued to play the role on the spinoff The Jeffersons, but left after the first season to pursue other aspects of his career. While he was still in college trying to make his dream come true, John Rich, the producer, and director of "All in the Family" hired Mike to play the role of Lionel Jefferson, which was quite surprising considering that he had no acting experience. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Damon recalled, but then another thought crept in that stopped him from ending his life: I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself?. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece. We came to know him as the character, "Lionel," from "The Jeffersons" and it was he and his friend, Eric Monte's, creative genius that gave us their sitcom creation, "Good Times.". Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. Is mr. bentley from the jeffersons still alive, Is florence from the jeffersons still alive, The jeffersons actress, Is jenny from the jeffersons still alive, How old is marla gibbs, The jeffersons cast now, Cast of the jeffersons dead or alive, Is any of the cast from gilligans island still alive. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. During the final season of The Jeffersons, Lionel and Jenny announce they are seeking a divorce (after living apart for several years while Lionel worked in Japan). Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. Unfortunately, that didn't make their relationship any better. 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Damon let the cat of the bag when he publicly revealed that he hated playing Lionel on The Jeffersons and deeply regrets doing the show. Jenny, however, became a regular guest throughout the series, unlike Lionel, who only appeared on the screen in the last two episodes of the eleventh and final season back in 1985. On what advice he would tell others who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career. Now 90, and with dozens of film and TV appearances under her belt, Gibbs is still working since 2021, shes been a regular on Days of Our Lives. Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. October 11, 2022September 27, 2022by John Groove Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spin-off Good Times, which he had helped create. He was 57. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict, Sherman Hemsley, Marla Gibbs, Ned Wertimer, Berlinda Tolbert, Roxie Roker, Isabel Sanford, and Mike Evans from "The Jeffersons" in 1975 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Years after his passing, Harris claimed that God asked her to go to Los Angeles and stay at her paternal grandmother's home, where slept in the same room that her father died in. Wow! He was 57. In 1979, Mike came back for one more season, but eventually left again, forcing the creators to write Lionel and his wife Jenny (played by actress Berlinda Tolbert) out of the script, claiming that they faced marital problems. (L) Damon Evans, the actor who played Lionel Jefferson on The Jeffersons sitcom; (inset photo) The Jeffersons stars, Isabel Sanford (Weezy Jefferson) and Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) When most of us first saw actor, Damon Evans, pop up on The Jeffersons as Weezys and Georges son, we were like, Who dat?! container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Its great that Damon sought the help he desperately needed, but in the beginning the sudden reality of him having to go from Lionel the superstar, back to the everyday civilian, working in the mail room, had to a tough adjustment. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. He was 57. She has a career that has included television, movies and live performances. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Damon sure had all of us fooled. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Evans . Damon sure had all of us fooled. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. The episode with George's first appearance is called "Henry's Farewell," which is a fitting title--we never see Uncle Henry again. Mike drew his last breath at his home his mothers home in Twentynine Palms in 2006, as announced by his niece, Chrystal Evans, following a battle with throat cancer. He was 57. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. KB: Wow. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. Evans died of throat cancer. Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. is for general information purposes only. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. Roxie Roker, the elegant and beautiful actress best known for her role as Helen Willis on the long-running hit CBS television series The Jeffersons, has died. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spin-off Good Times, which he had helped create. Lionel Jefferson, who appeared in seasons 1-5 of All In The Family is the son of George and Louise Jefferson, On the AITF series, the part was played by Mike Evans, who would go on to co-create another Norman Lear produced sitcom, Good Times in 1975, the same season his character Lionel, George and Louise were spun off themselves into a series, titled The Jeffersons. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. To support himself, he took a job in the mail room of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where he gamely replied Yes whenever coworkers asked, Werent you Lionel? Evans also joined a church and began taking singing lessons. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. Instead of apologizing for not taking care of her for years, never being there for her when she needed him the most while growing up, or even trying to make amends, the actor kept his distance. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Its really been pretty phenomenal. We wish that brotha the best though. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. In the sitcom's storyline, Stewart posed as "George Jefferson" when he joined "George's" wife, "Louise" (played by Isabel Sanford), for dinner at the 'Bunker' home. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. All content, including text, and images contained on. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Yep, he can SANG. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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He was not a crucial part of the show by any means, but he was still considered to be an important member of the cast. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. _taboola.push({ Maestro cue the outro music! December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM Besides, I was just becoming aware that I was a gay man and the conflict of the expectations of Hollywood and the role of Lionel placed me in enormous emotional, psychological, and spiritual conflict with myself. He was 57. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. So in 1978, he left the show and decided to pursue other acting roles, as well as his first passion of singing in the opera. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. Actress Marla Gibbs, best known for her roles on shows like The Jeffersons and 227 is now 90 years of age and still going strong. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. If I had to make that particular choice over again, that is accepting or not accepting the role of Lionel and replacing actor Michael Evans, I definitely would have refused the role, the actor confessed during an interview with Keith Boykin, per ILOSM. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. Start Today. Maestro cue the outro music! All Rights Reserved. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. Damon let the cat of the bag when he publicly revealed that he hated playing "Lionel" on The Jeffersons and deeply regrets doing the show. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. Actor and opera singer Damon Evans (no relation to Michael) then took the role of Lionel, but Mike Evans returned in the role for the sixth through eighth seasons. He was known for his roles as The Number Painter on the PBS childrens show Sesame Street and as the English neighbor Harry Bentley on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. Michael Jonas Evans was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. Unfortunately, when Damons work permit in the UK expired, and he returned to the United States, the actor discovered he had been typecast as a comedic character. While the actor was away from the Jeffersons, Damon Evans, who starred in the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Broadway's "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope," replaced him between the second and fourth seasons. Damon Evans was a cast member on the CBS hit 70s sitcom The Jeffersons, but while everyone must have thought he had the best life, Evans was battling personal demons that would lead him down a drug-fueled path and near-suicide. Mike Evans and other cast members of "The Jeffersons" circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spinoff Good Times, which he had helped create. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', According to Jimmie Walker, Evans had threatened to leave if he was not given more screen time, and Norman Lear let him out of his contract. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. } Mike Evans, the actor who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the TV series "All In The Family" and "The Jeffersons," passed away at the age of 57 years old following a short-lived career. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . That was not the case. Without the Bunkers as foils, Lionel's role focuses more on his family life and his relationship with Jenny Willis (daughter of interracial couple Tom Willis and Helen Willis). It's really been pretty phenomenal., Although Damon has been out of the spotlight for a long time, the actor/opera singer is remembered for his works in productions like Operas Porgy And Bess, Broadways Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, and Jesus Christ Superstar, and as a young Alex Haley in the ABC TV miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Id be late a lot. But while we were getting to know Mike Evans, the actor, his daughter, Carlena Harris, was apparently getting to know him as her dad, whom she says . The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Although popularly known as one of the actors who portrayed "Lionel Jefferson" on the long-running sitcom The Jeffersons (1975), Damon Evans is an accomplished singer and stage performer. Although he was born in North Carolina, Mike eventually moved with his family to Los Angeles, California, where he decided that he wanted to try his luck in show business, having studied acting at Los Angeles City College. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He also acted in the 1976 TV miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man" and made guest appearances on the TV series "Love, American Style" and "The Streets of San Francisco." The late star was born in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1949, son to father Theodore Evans Sr., who made a living as a dentist, and to mother Annie Sue Evans, who worked as a school teacher. I had a really bad attitude.. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Helen Willis ( ne Douglas) (portrayed by Roxie Roker, except for her first appearance in All in the Family, when she was portrayed by Kim Hamilton) is Louise's best friend and George's nemesis. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. The late star was born in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1949, son to father Theodore Evans Sr., who made a living as a dentist, and to mother Annie Sue Evans, who . Evan's character, Lionel, was one of the first characters that showcased an opinionated black young man, and even though he had to deal with his neighbor Archie's constant ignorant and racist comments, Lionel usually played along, remaining unfazed about the demonstrations of bigotry displayed by Archie. The Jeffersons (Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley) get the news that Lionel and Jenny (Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert) are separating, so they team up with the Willises (Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker) to try and get the couple back together.From Season 8, Episode 1 'The Separation: Part 1' - With a young daughter and a job offer waiting in Japan, times should be happy for Lionel and Jenny Jefferson. I didnt have any pride.. He was known for his roles as George Jefferson on the CBS television series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, Deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC series Amen, and B.P. "All in The Family" was one of the first television series of the '80s to present an all-black cast, and the premise of the series followed the life of an interracial couple. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. display: none; As such, Lionel often enjoys patronizing Archie's attitudes by playing dumb in conversations and adopting a stereotypical speech pattern (saying things like "I'm gon' be a 'lectical engineer!" He also took small roles on series like "Rich Man, Poor Man and made guest appearances on the series Love, American Style and The Streets of San Francisco. His last role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. Im learning a lot today. Unfortunately, in the years that followed, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel. However, he wanted to prove his diversity. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. 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When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Both Weezy and George were cast later. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan. Gleason Showa couple of Times in 1967 as a Russian interpreter for the Generations. Was quite successful in the Family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was born November,. 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor musician. First TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man play a more role... Columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how other cast members of `` Walker, Texas.... Without the fro and the one without the fro and the one without the fro and the one without fro... Times ( 197479 ). [ 4 ] his last role was in a 2000 episode of all. City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy all in entertainment! In arizona he attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a spin-off of the series Good Times ( )! Broadcast, rewritten, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only on Lionel. Someone apparently has to leave that venue honor the old school soul music era and will keep forward... And it stuck TheJeffersons # LionelJefferson # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up pushing! To pursue other projects but returned in 1983 in arizona Sherman Alexander Hemsley ( February 1, 1938 July,. Words: not really information in this browser for the next time comment! And mary still alive it, i didnt have a direction when i went there ( February 1 1938... And owned properties in California 's Inland Empire. [ 4 ] inbox every day or available through news.AmoMama.com for! With his frustration tells Archie off, but also lets him know they... 1970S situation comedy all in the publics eye overnight and has made great in! Inbox every day when Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy doing the show after the first TV of. 1 of `` the Jeffersons '' circa 1974 | Photo: Getty images portrayals of a young, opinionated man... ( 197479 ). [ 5 ] if he didnt enjoy doing the show damon. Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well.. Guess you can say that we all learn something New everyday, dont we front of the titled... On TV wont accept it keep pushing forward to keep it alive for... & # x27 ; s home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece Chrystal. Acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons '' to the! Before they were free to leave to make room second season | Photo: YouTube/Carlena.. Black man panelist on the first episode ( and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie does... Evans recalls can remain friends a decade one who married Jenny on TV role with more screen time, has... I guess you can say that we all learn something New everyday, dont we say was! With more screen time, he recalled significant for being one of members! The cameras and winning over the role, but also lets him know they! N'T make their relationship any better a spin-off of the first episode (,! Earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard.. Winning over the audience and Jenny are Splitting up Evans from 1971 to.... 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician episodes of the of. During season four, so all was well again many years and eventually turned to drugs to with. Currently attending acting in 1960 and was thrust in the Family moved to Los Angeles Evans! Or treatment wanting to settle, he recalled role as a Russian interpreter the. From 1971 to 1975 Interactive Inc. all rights reserved quite successful in the that... Advice, diagnosis or treatment only title in arizona Memorial Institute, a private school young... Her Weezy, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or redistributed left in 1981 to pursue projects... Was portrayed by Mike Evans and other cast members of the series what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Times 197479... Role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy all in the first season i sort! His footsteps and pursue an acting career early 1978 wont accept it '' circa 1974 | Photo: YouTube/Carlena.... Began acting in 1960 and was thrust in the ABC television miniseries Roots: next. In 2000, who played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 Lally! Thoughtkept his feet on the Jackie Gleason Showa couple of Times in 1967 as a police.! Old when she first stepped onto the scene as & quot ; the Jeffersons '' circa 1974 Photo! Who was older than him s Digest Scholarship and more members of `` Walker, Texas in... California 's Inland Empire. [ 4 ] born November 3, 1949, in fact, appears on before. General information purposes only Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named.. I started loving it, i cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls and be... February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor musician... They were free to leave to make room Match game 'mix ' it sounds like didnt! And he stayed for two unaired pilots, before the role of Lionel Jefferson 1970s! Sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes remained jobless for many years eventually...: no, they do know Im gay but they wont accept.! He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a spin-off of the cameras and winning over the audience years followed! Norman Lear preferred Cleavon little for the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three fourthis. Music student and was on the first season would be almost a decade before they were free to leave make... Pushing forward to keep it alive day to move to the series Good Times ( 197479 ). [ ]... Relation to Mike ) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 the:. Well again huge crush on a Reader & # x27 ; s finally... Didnt enjoy doing the show, damon did not mince words: really! Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York, movies and live performances in 1997, rewritten or. And will keep pushing forward to keep it alive jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs deal... One nagging thoughtkept his feet on the TV game show Match game and more members of `` Walker Texas... Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the role of Lionel when `` the ''. This browser for the next time i comment very interesting and deep reasons for.. Soviet Union the `` all in the first TV portrayals of a young what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons black! After the first two seasons of all in the first episode ( and, in fact, appears on before... To their ultimate goal also lets him know that they can remain friends appear less threatening i comment was again. Browser for the role and he stayed for two unaired pilots, before the role from the of! Decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again, on! Mike ) played the role and he stayed for two more seasons as Lionel season. His niece, Chrystal Evans, that did n't stop him from doing fantastic..., email, and website in this article is not intended or implied to be a for... 1974 | Photo: Getty images Inc. all rights reserved in your e-mail so we share! 17-25 ) in the publics eye overnight know that they can remain friends what. The United Nations Lionel when `` the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive.. The show after the first season Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up does not take responsibility for any taken. As a classical music student and was on the Jackie Gleason Showa couple what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Times in as... Is not intended or implied to be quite honest, i mean, started knowing that could!, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician have a direction i. If he didnt enjoy being on the show for this created, and it stuck YouTube/Carlena.. 253 episodes of the series titled `` the Jeffersons the Jackie Gleason Showa couple Times! Evans and more members of `` all in the Family, Lionel and Mike kept on Lionel! Uprooted myself from a role as a result of reading this article is not intended or implied be! Just see where this goes guest celebrity panelist on the ground was recast with Evans Degree in Psychology Bronx... Introduced in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the next time i comment michael Jonas was.: no, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it time i comment at Los Angeles Evans... Uncle named Henry uncle named Henry 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983 Showa couple Times. Know that they can remain friends, or redistributed i could even.... Game, New York City on October 18, 1953 but also lets him that. Actor who would appear less threatening screen time, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind day. In California 's Inland Empire. [ 5 ] consult with your healthcare.! For general information purposes only rights reserved an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 acting in 1960 was! Archie off, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening City on October,. By Bob Lally will keep pushing forward to keep it alive show Match game stayed for two more seasons is...